News Conference with Locked Out Minneapolis Window Washers
Bargaining Continues for Downtown Window Washers Over Safety Concerns

Minneapolis – Members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26 who wash the windows of downtown office buildings and skyscrapers are holding a news conference Thursday to update the media on the bargaining progress and discuss the safety requirements they are requesting of management companies.

On Tuesday, while negotiations were in progress for a new contract, window washers were "locked out" and not allowed to do their job. The sticking point in negotiations is over a set of safety requirements the union is requesting.

Three window cleaners have died from accidents while washing windows during their work in the last few years. A widow of one of the window washers will be at the news conference to discuss the need for increased safety standards. Some members of the Minnesota legislature will be at the news conference to show support and discuss their efforts to improve safety standards.

Who:                 SEIU Local 26 window washers and leadership
                       Vielka Sanchez, widow of a window washer who died on the job
                       Members of the Minnesota Legislature

When:            Thursday, April 1, 2010, 11:15 a.m.

Where:            Nicollet Ave, and 8th Street, Minneapolis